AboutJKC Expertise I am not a native Austinite, but lived in Austin since 1989. I certainly can not answer everything there is to know about Austin, but can give you a candid answer/opinion based on first-hand experience. I decided to volunteer (or pretend to be an expert) since there is no Austin "expert" in this site.
Expert: JKC Date: 6/22/2005 Subject: Relocating to Austin
Question We will be relocating in the near future from Tulsa to Austin. We live in a $225,000, 3000 square foot house and have 3 children all in private school (1 high schooler and 2 middle schoolers). Private School tuition at the catholic schools run $1000/mo for all 3.
Can you suggest neighborhoods to look into and schools systems? I'm interested in private schools as well as public schools. I'm a CPA working in the private sector as a Controller -- can you suggest a search firm that works with accountants?
Thanks so much --
Lori
Answer Lori,
Homes in most of good neighborhoods in Austin will cost roughtly $100 - $125 per sqft, just to give you an idea.
The public school districts are ranked as follows.
1. Eanes ISD. http://www.eanes.k12.tx.us/education/district/district.php?sectionid=1
The most exclusive neighborhood (Westlake) in Austin. Michael Dell lives there. Condors and small homes start around $500,000. Many multi-million dollar homes.
Its lone high school, Westlake High, is ranked in top 100 nationally amongst public schools according to Newsweek.
2. Round Rock ISD http://www.roundrockisd.org/home/index.asp
Homes range from $100,000 to $950,000.
One of its high schools, Westwood High, also ranks in top 100 nationally by Newsweek, although few spots below Westlake. The ranking is based on the overall level of AP participation. This may be your best option.
If you are working with a realtor, look for homes near Hwy 183 (Research Blvd) and Anderson Mill Road or Spicewood Springs Road area. Your kids will be able to attend excellent Canyon Vista Middle School (http://209.184.141.5/canyonvista/) and Westwood High.
There are other school districts surrounding the Austin metro area, such as Cedar Park, Leander, Lake Travis, etc., but I am not knowledgeable about them.
For private schools, I know of only few. I am listing only those I have some knowledge of.
St. Stephen's Episcopal School http://www.sstx.org/
Most kids board at school. Exceptions are given according to some criteria - grade, etc. Tuition, Room and Board is about $25,000/year. It's located in the Westlake neighborhood.
Hyde Park Baptist School http://www.hpbs.org/
Close to (but not "in") downtown. Near UT campus. Nice (and somewhat historic) neighborhood.
They list lots of details about homes in their counties, including plat maps.
Some good subdivisions to look into are:
Scofield Farms
Great location and convenience in north central Austin.
Homes in $200,000 - $390,000. 5 - 12 years old homes.
Brentwood Christian School and St. Louis Catholic School are within range. Brentwood is only 5 minute driving. St. Louis about 15 min.
Avery Ranch
Still being actively developed. A bit far north west.
Too many subdivisions to list but aforementioned area between Hwy 183 + Spicewood Springs Rd + Anderson Mill Rd. Some homes are bit older. Lots of trees. Beginning of the famous Texas Hill Country. Will see some hills. Homes in $250,000 - $800,000.
I am afraid I won't be able to help you with a search firm. Your best bet may be to seek reference from your professional association.
Good luck to you, and if I can be of further assistance, please feel free to ask.
